Jennifer Garner 'Felt Like She Was Second To JLo,' Done Helping Ex Ben Affleck Amid Jennifer Lopez Marital Issues: Report
Jennifer Garner has always been there for her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, even after they split, but she's done being a "marriage counselor" to him and his current wife, Jennifer Lopez.
Affleck and Garner have remained amicable after they split in 2015 as they co-parent their three kids -- Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. The exes are still seen together occasionally, sometimes with their kids and at other times, only the two of them. Insiders claimed to the Daily Mail that the "Yes Day" actress had been acting as a "counselor" to Affleck amid rumors that his two-year marriage with Lopez was on "shaky ground."
However, the issue allegedly only reminded the "Alias" alum of her own marriage breakdown with Affleck and the memories of their divorce. So, even if she also cares about Lopez, Garner no longer wants to be involved because it's "beginning to become too painful" for her.
"Throughout their marriage, there were times when Jen felt like she was second to JLo even though there was no communication between her and Ben for years," an insider told the Daily Mail.
"She was surprised at how public he became when they reunited because he was always a man who wanted to be out of the spotlight when they were married."
Garner opened her home for Lopez, acknowledging that the latter would be stepmom to her and Affleck's children. But though she has already moved on from her failed marriage, she no longer wants to be in the couple's "circus."
"She cares about JLo and cares about their kids and how it will affect all of them," the insider continued. "But in the end, it is not Jen's circus, not Jen's monkeys and she is done playing marriage counselor to her ex-husband and his wife."
The tipster added, "Jen eventually got to a place where she was like, 'Sorry, figure this out yourself.'"
Enstarz could not independently verify the claims.
Another source previously told In Touch that Affleck turned to his "sensible" ex-wife for "advice and emotional support" amid the split rumors because the exes have remained very close. However, Lopez allegedly didn't want her husband going to Garner for their issues.
"J.Lo hates that Ben goes back to his sensible, down-to-earth ex-wife for advice and emotional support. She doesn't want Jen's input," the source claimed.
"J.Lo didn't come right out and tell Jen to back off -- both women have been down this road before and know their boundaries -- but she did tell Ben that his ex needs to stay away from him and butt out of their personal drama. Ben then relayed the message to Jen."
